Last Wednesday April 22, 2015 marked five years, which Olaitan Oladapo Olaonipekun, better knownin entertaiment industry as Dagrin, left the stage.

Dagrin had passed away on April 22, 2010, eight days after he was involved in an auto-crash in front of Alakara Divisinal Police Headquarter, off Agege motor road, Mushin, Lagos.

Many artistes, friends, lovers remembered him in interviews and on social media.

Dagrin did pave way for me —Olamide

The death of Dagrin was so shocking when I heard about it. Actually, Dagrin did pave the way for people like me. Lord of Ajasa paved the way as well. This

whole thing is a movement and it has to keep going on. Every new set of artistes that come out will pave way for the next generation. I believe his soul will continue to rest in peace.

His legacy lives on —Saeon

Five years on, and his legacy lives. Dagrin was a musical genius, who inspired the popularity and acceptance of Hip-hop music in local tongue, contributing immeasurably towards a new Nigeria, where pride in our collective indigenous identity is on the rise. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. My prayer is that the Good Lord continues to comfort them. R.I.P, Dagrin.

He left a big legacy —Oritsefemi

Emotionally, I’ve missed Dagrin for real. He left a big legacy in the Nigerian entertainment industry whereby a lot of young, upcoming rappers are rapping in our dialects. So, these young artistes are earning money through the platform Dagrin laid. Dagrin has eliminated poverty by 10%. We did a song together, anytime I listen to the song, I always remember him for real. I miss him.

He left his name in gold —Korede Bello

Dagrin left his name in gold and I sincerely pray that the mystery and grace around the number 5, which stands for Grace will guide him and the rest of us to make better decisions in life.

He inspired me —Trybson

Dagrin’s legacy has been surprisingly strong one. His music and struggle to fame is still an inspiration to people. A whole lot of artistes, both new and old, are still inspired by what he stood for and I can say I am an example of that. Playing the lead role as Dagrin in ‘Ghetto Dreams’ was really challenging, considering that there was an attempt to make the movie as real as possible.

I personally went through a lot of research and schooling about the kind of person Dagrin was before he died. I listened and rehearsed his music over a million times, so I could get into his character effortlessly, and I can say I was inspired by his story.

He was his own prophet —KSB

DaGrin was his own prophet. He prophesied that the rendition of Rap music in colloquial/native language would be widely and globally accepted, celebrated and honoured, and it was so. This is the meaning of his record coy, ‘Mosofunyin

Entertainment.’ Although, he was not the pioneer, but his lyrical depth and versatility is yet to be surpassed. So, five years after his demise, his genre of rap style is waxing strong and on the rise.

He died too soon —Essence

Hmmmm! Dagrin’s death is 5 years already? Well, all I can say is don’t be afraid to be you because at the end of the day, it’s only you that matters. He died too soon but I think he fulfilled his destiny because he was and still is massively celebrated. His name is etched in the sands of time.

He was Nigeria’s Tupac —Terry Tha Rapman

I would say, he was like Nigeria’s Tupac. We know he had the potential of a rap icon. It’s so unfair his life got cut down too soon because he would definitely have remained relevant till date. He created his own rules and still succeeded. He was a game changer, no doubt.

Keep shinning in the Lord —Jahbless

He lives on. Since he left, no one has been able to fill that space. Gosh! We miss him so much. ..If it’s not Barrack O grin, it can never been like Barrack O grin. Keep shinning in the Lord..

He’s been forgotten so soon —K-Solo

Basically, I will be straight and factual. It’s simple! Just like when every other celebrity dies in Nigeria. The career, family and fame also die along. So, nothing cool to say due to the ineptitude government we have, which has no love for the entertainment industry. They only use us to make our fans vote for them, and then, dump us where we belong again. Thank God for Olamide, who gives us a reminding thought of Dagrin.

He was hardworking —Oluwaseun

Dagrin will be remembered for his hard work and legacy in the music industry.

His music is still fresh —Ruggedman

Five years after, Dagrin’s music still feels fresher than ever. It feels like yesterday that we were at Aura Club together. That is one great artist Nigeria lost too early. May his soul rest in peace, because his name and music still live with us.

We’re remembering him for his good jobs —Alao Malaika

Alao Malaika: Dagrin’s death was very painful. We are still remembering him for the good jobs he did in the music industry.

•Photo shows late Dagrin